No I Said Cough
Posted by Sean on December 13, 2008
Post operative teaching can be entertaining sometimes.
I understand when I take care of my patients in the PACU, they are in the fog of anesthesia. I understand they don’t have their wits about them.
But why is it when I ask them to, “Deep breathe and cough for me”.
I hear .. ‘UUHHH HHUMM’
No I said cough, not clear your throat. 
Sorry, maybe I just find this funny. 
Carpe Diem
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Trauma Junkie said
It’s not just you; that’s funny.
I’m in float pool but I often work on an orthopedic med/surg unit and we have to try to get the pts to turn, cough, and deep breathe all the time. This one pt last night was like, “ehuh” and it sounded like a pen hitting the floor…just awful.
While he’s still fairly sedated, we turn him over and say, “NO! COUUUGGHH.” lol That got it done.
Strong One said
@ Trauma Junkie Ahh yes. I know the feeling.
Trauma Junkie said
It’s not just you; that’s funny.
I’m in float pool but I often work on an orthopedic med/surg unit and we have to try to get the pts to turn, cough, and deep breathe all the time. This one pt last night was like, “ehuh” and it sounded like a pen hitting the floor…just awful.
While he’s still fairly sedated, we turn him over and say, “NO! COUUUGGHH.” lol That got it done.
Strong One said
@ Trauma Junkie Ahh yes. I know the feeling.
NurseExec said
I remember a fellow nurse in PACU telling a patient to “cough like you want to hawk one up”. Amazingly effective, if a little gross, LOL!
Strong One said
@ NurseExec OOhh.. I’m going to have to remember that one! Thanks.
NurseExec said
I remember a fellow nurse in PACU telling a patient to “cough like you want to hawk one up”. Amazingly effective, if a little gross, LOL!
Strong One said
@ NurseExec OOhh.. I’m going to have to remember that one! Thanks.